Shirley Elizabeth Ward

Shirley Elizabeth Ward, 80, of Fostoria, Ohio, peacefully closed her final chapter at 1:50 a.m. Tuesday, June 9, 2026, surrounded by her devoted husband and loving children. She was born April 25, 1946, in Newark, New Jersey. Shirley lived a life as big, bright, and beautiful as her personality.

She married the love of her life, Richard Ward, August 1, 1975, in Tiffin, Ohio, and he survives. Together, Rick and Shirley built a legacy of love that will live on for generations. Her true life’s work was raising her children and doting on her grandchildren. She spent her entire life dedicated to her family, constantly going above and beyond to ensure they felt supported, celebrated, and deeply loved. Even as dementia clouded her final years, it could never dim the profound impact of her generous spirit.

Other survivors include; two daughters, Rhonda Krupp (Smith) of Tiffin, Ohio, daughter Jennifer Ward of Brunswick, Georgia; a son, Marty (Danielle) Smith of Fremont, Indiana; seven grandchildren, Kandra Roberts of Bexley, Ohio, Kyler Krupp of Tiffin, Ohio, Tori Smith and Trevor Smith both of Angola, IN, Jocelyn Schreiner and Victoria Dolch both of Fostoria, and Gabrielle (Derek) Swick of Quincy, Michigan; eight great-grandchildren, Bren Puchta, Payton and Bryghtlyn McDonald, Emory and Elliot Cook, and Rowan, Watson, and Stetson Swick; a sister, Patricia Huffman of Tiffin, Ohio, along with a community of friends who will miss her unforgettable presence.

She is preceded in death by her mother, Joyce Craig, and sisters, Joyce and Diane.

She was a 1964 Tiffin Columbian High School graduate. To Shirley, no one was a stranger. She greeted everyone she met with a radiant smile and open arms. Shirley spent much of her decades-long career in retail clothing stores. With her warm and genuine interest in helping others and her impeccable sense of fashion, Shirley had an extraordinary gift for turning shopping trips into conversation, making every customer feel like a lifelong friend.

Shirley taught us all the importance of taking time from each day to appreciate the trees, the flowers, the birds, and the gifts nature brings. She spent her last moments listening peacefully to the birds who came to greet her every morning.

Visitation for family and friends will be Friday, June 12, 2026, 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. at TRAUNERO FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY, 214 S Monroe St, Tiffin, OH 44883, (419) 447-3113.

The funeral service will be 10 a.m. Saturday, June 13, 2026, at the funeral home, officiated by Rev. Gary Walters. Burial will follow in St. Mary Catholic Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made in Shirley’s honor to the National Audubon Society at https://act.audubon.org/.

For directions, send condolences to the family, order out-of-town flowers, or to view the tribute video, go to www.traunerofuneralhome.com